Poor Storage of Medicines: Adrien Duval Discusses Warehouses Infested with Rats

In the episode of "At the Heart of the Info" aired on Tuesday, April 28, the alarming report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was discussed, revealing serious failures in the storage of medicines.

During the show, Prem Sewpaul interviewed Adrien Duval, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), via videoconference, alongside Dr. Vasantrao Gujadhur, Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Health, Ram Etwareea, MMM MP and PAC member, and Radhakrishna Sadien, a union negotiator.

The findings presented by the Public Accounts Committee are unequivocal. In its latest special report—a rare occurrence, the last being in 1997—the parliamentary body raises the alarm about the management of the Ministry of Health's medicine warehouses. The backdrop: an estimated waste of nearly Rs 300 million and stock valued at Rs 1.8 billion, still recorded manually due to a lack of computerization.

Medicines were stored under alarming conditions: warehouses without electricity, exposed to temperatures exceeding 35 degrees, humidity, mold, and rat infestations. Such conditions are deemed incompatible with health standards, especially since these medicines are intended for patients across the country.

In light of these revelations, Adrien Duval expresses particular alarm. "The PAC's role is to ensure that public funds are used wisely. However, it became evident that we needed to sound the alarm," he states. "We are talking about medicines used in public and even private services. This concerns the health of the entire country," he laments.

The MP particularly denounces blatant inconsistencies in stock management: "We have toxic products stored in air-conditioned spaces while essential medicines used for surgical operations or dialysis treatments are kept in deplorable conditions." He also mentions warehouses that are "impossible to work in," marked by "dust, lack of light, and rat infestations."

For him, the situation is not new, but it has been ignored for too long. "What we are reporting today has been occurring for several years. Nothing has been done to change the situation." He refers to a "collective tragedy," implicating the responsibility of successive governments. Among the urgent measures identified are the immediate closure of two to three warehouses and the establishment of a modern warehouse, both in infrastructure and management.

This diagnosis is widely shared by Dr. Vasantrao Gujadhur, who describes it as a "systemic problem." According to him, the PAC has highlighted issues of "occupational health and safety," with a real health risk, a "failed" supply chain, and a situation that has persisted for "over ten years."

However, he adds context by noting that "several discussions have taken place at different levels. The audit office had already mentioned these problems." He points out that structural and administrative constraints have hindered action. "There is a lack of procurement officers, and some procedures take time." Nonetheless, he assures that measures are underway: "An expression of interest has been launched, the process is ongoing, but this won't be resolved overnight."

From the union side, Radhakrishna Sadien expresses some exasperation. "The report is shocking, certainly, but this is not the first time we’ve heard this." He recalls that alerts had already been raised, notably in the 2021 audit report. "I wonder what the purpose of these reports is. Is it just to put them in drawers?" This question reflects a sense of stagnation in the face of recurring problems.

Ram Etwareea, however, does not entirely share this view. The MP believes that the picture painted is somewhat exaggerated. "It seems to me that there has been a certain dramatization of the issue," he suggests, alluding to a risk of political exploitation. He emphasizes, however, that shortcomings do exist, while reminding that "the ministry has already made several visits and acknowledged the situation." According to him, the challenge now is to "work on concrete solutions rather than pointing fingers."

Imminent Transfer to Phoenix, Promises Anil Bachoo

Health Minister Anil Bachoo reacted to the publication of the PAC's damning report on medicine storage. He announced that a building has been identified in Phoenix to accommodate products currently stored in inadequate locations, notably in Plaine Lauzun and New Grove. The transfer of medicines, especially from the most deteriorated warehouses, is expected to occur in the coming months, once procedures are completed. "If everything goes well, we will make the transfer in the upcoming months. When I make legal decisions, if everything is correct, I will go ahead immediately," he stated.

In light of the report's findings, the minister acknowledges that the situation is concerning. However, he emphasizes that the shortcomings highlighted largely pertain to the management of the previous government. "Consultancy has been done. They paid a lot of money, but until now, no building has been constructed," he lamented. However, he admits that the situation has not significantly improved since he took office: "I will not say that there are no problems. There are issues. I will not deny that," before assuring that corrective measures are underway to address the identified shortcomings.

Among the priorities are the reorganization of storage and the improvement of infrastructure. Sustainable solutions will also be implemented for better medicine preservation.

Sarvesh Bhugowandeen